20 Best TV Shows Of 2022
15. Heartstopper
In an age where many LGBTQ+ stories centre around trauma and injustice (often necessarily, sometimes hopelessly), Netflix's British comedy-drama Heartstopper is a wonderful breath of fresh air, as disarmingly charming as it is inclusive, funny, and wildly entertaining.
Following gay student Charlie as he falls in love with closeted classmate Nick, the series is heartwarming and sweet, touchingly performed by stars Joe Locke and Kit Connor. It tackles queer lives and acceptance with more family wholesomeness than the other, more wrenching shows around it (Euphoria, It's A Sin).
Many of the shows on this list fall down a similar hole, leaning into some brutal, sad themes with the intention of forcing some tears and deep thought, but Heartstopper is no such drama. Instead of inflicting pain, it aims to uplift, and does so with a grace and charm that makes it an absolute must-watch.